1974 Ford Cortina vs. 1989 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1989 Ford Sierra is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Cortina weights approximately 25 kg more than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Ford Sierra (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1989 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2620 mm |
